EU to list and ban invasive alien species

The European Commission proposed today (9 September) a new regulation to list and ban invasive alien species of plants and animals that are not welcome in Europe.

There are currently more than 12,000 non-native species in Europe, and the number is increasing rapidly. Non-indigenous species of plants and animals now represent one of the main threats to the continent’s biodiversity, according to experts. These non-European plants and animals sometimes have no natural predators on this continent, meaning they can spread rapidly and overwhelm the local plant and animal life.

The Commission estimates that alien species cause damage worth at least €12 billion per year in the European Union, through hazards to human health, damage to infrastructure and yield losses in agriculture. The problem is currently dealt with only at national level, leaving large gaps in coverage and no co-ordination between neighbouring states.

“Combating invasive alien species is a prime example of an area where Europe is better when working together,” said Janez Potocnik, European Commissioner for the environment.

The proposed regulation would create a yet-to-be-determined ‘list of invasive alien species of Union concern’ which will be drawn up based on member state recommendations, using risk assessments and scientific evidence. Selected species will be banned from the EU, meaning it will not be possible to import, buy, use, release or sell them.

Member states would also be required to organise checks to prevent the intentional introduction of species of concern. It would introduce an early warning system, so that when member states detect that a species of union concern is becoming established, they will take immediate action to eradicate it and share that information with other countries.

Special measures will be taken to deal with issues arising for traders, breeders or pet owners in the transitional period. However the Commission acknowledged that the restrictions will affect these businesses. The concerns of this sector will be considered when drawing up the list, the Commission said.

“If an invasive alien animal deemed to be of Union concern is being kept as a pet, the owner will in any case be able to keep the animal until the end of its natural life,” the Commission said in a statement. “Under no circumstances would pets be destroyed.”

The proposal will need to be approved by member states and the European Parliament.